Harry Potter vs. Star Wars: Common Literary Themes

In this class, we'll discuss the plot elements and themes that the popular "British Wizard Books" and Star Wars have in common. Students will learn how to identify these themes and spot them in books they read in the future. Along the way, I'll recommend a variety of young adult novels (both classic and modern) that also fit these themes.

▬▬▬▬▬▬ VIDEOS, ACTIVITIES, AND MORE ▬▬▬▬▬▬

• This course has four parts to it. Each “part” consists of a downloadable video presentation (between 10 and 20 minutes long) hosted on Google Drive, along with some resources and project ideas to expand the students’ understanding.

• In a regular school setting, these materials are ideal for reverse instruction or a flipped classroom unit. For instance, you can assign the video recording to watch at home for homework, and then use the extension activities for class projects. The recordings also work well for sub days and much-needed sanity days!

• If you are using these materials in a home school setting, you could choose to do one part per day or one part per week, doing the projects as time allows. Feel free to have your child email me at lauren.rae.ard@gmail.com, if they have any questions or want to share what they’ve done with the materials.

• This unit also includes a link to my notes and Prezi presentation I use throughout the course, in case you want to give some of the presentation, or expand on the material yourself. Please keep in mind that the video may not match up exactly with the notes and lecture materials, because I do alter and add to my notes as time goes on.

▬▬▬▬▬▬ OUTLINE ▬▬▬▬▬▬

Part 1: The different types of fantasy literature - what fantasy categories do the two fandoms fit into?

Part 2: The popular narrative pattern known as The Hero’s Journey.

Part 3: The "Orphan Hero" theme and why readers and authors love it so much.

Part 4: The Curse of Immortality, and the Light vs. Dark dichotomy (with its prevalence throughout human history).